Advocacy for Caregivers

This section provides tools for psychologists for participation in the public policy process on behalf of family caregivers. It provides an overview of key caregiving legislation, resources for psychologists interested in advocating on the behalf of family caregivers at the federal, state and local levels, and profiles of psychologists as policy advocates and program developers.

Although most psychologists have not received formal training in advocacy, action in the policy arena can have a profound effect on the daily life of family caregivers. In addition it can raise awareness of the contributions psychology research and practice in meeting the needs of family caregivers, and marshal resources to meet this growing need. As an organization, APA has historically supported and is actively engaged in efforts to enhance the health and well-being of family caregivers. Recently, the Resolution on Family Caregivers (PDF, 50KB) was adopted as APA policy.